Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma

16/09/2026

Knowing what to do in an emergency can help people and families feel safer, more confident and better prepared.

QPASTT is pleased to share this free community event from our friends at IWA Australia Ltd, offering practical information about emergencies, local services and where to get help.

For people who are new to Australia or unfamiliar with local emergency systems, events like this can be a useful way to learn who to contact, what to prepare at home, and what support is available in the community.

📅 Thursday 24 September
📍 Underwood Park Community Centre
🎟️ Free and open to everyone

See the post below for full details and registration information.

Do you know what to do in an emergency?

Come along to IWA Australia’s FREE Emergency Day Out!

Learn how to keep yourself, your family and your home safe during an emergency or disaster.

You can:

- Meet local emergency services
- Learn about emergencies that can happen in your area
- Learn what you should have ready at home
- Find out who to call and where to get help
- Enjoy fun activities and games for the whole family

📅 Thursday, 24 September 2026
⏰ 10am–2pm
📍 Underwood Park Community Centre, Underwood Road, Priestdale
🎟️ FREE EVENT

Everyone is welcome! Bring your family and learn how to be ready, prepared and safe.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register or click the link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/P77PdFzQxi

01/09/2026

A reminder for Brisbane residents ahead of Riverfire rehearsal flyovers this week.

Military aircraft will conduct rehearsal flights over the Brisbane CBD in the lead-up to Riverfire:

• Thursday 3 September, approximately 12:30pm — C-17A Globemaster III
• Friday 4 September, approximately 12:30pm — F/A-18F Super Hornets

The sudden and very loud noise of military aircraft may be distressing for people who have experienced war, conflict, persecution or military violence.

Knowing when the flyovers are expected may help you or someone you know prepare. This might include moving indoors or to a quieter location, using headphones or background sound, being with someone you trust, or planning to be away from the CBD around these times.

Please share this information with anyone in your community who may find the flyovers difficult.

Flight times are approximate and may change due to weather, air traffic or operational requirements.

01/09/2026

Events happening overseas can have a very real impact on people here in Australia.

Conflict, violence and humanitarian crises can bring worry for loved ones, memories of past experiences, uncertainty, grief and distress. You don’t have to manage those feelings alone.

Witness To War & Violence is a free and confidential national telephone support service for people in Australia affected by distressing events, conflicts or difficult experiences here or overseas. Trained bicultural workers, counsellors and support staff are available to listen, provide practical information and help connect you with further support if needed.

Support is available in Arabic, Hebrew, Dari, Farsi, Ukrainian and English, with professional interpreters available for other languages.

📞 Free call 1800 845 198
In Queensland: Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm, excluding public holidays.

You can call for yourself, a family member or simply because you need someone to talk to. There is no restriction based on visa type, country of birth, age or when you arrived in Australia.

Witness to War & Violence is a FASSTT initiative led by STARTTS. QPASTT is the Queensland member of FASSTT (Forum of Australian Services to Survivors of Torture and Trauma).

31/08/2026

It was wonderful to join our friends and community partners at the کانون ایرانیان کوئینزلند Iranian Society of Queensland for their Daffodil Day gathering over the weekend. 🌼

Events like this are a beautiful reminder of the strength of community - bringing people together through care, connection and a shared commitment to supporting those affected by cancer.

Thank you to the Iranian Society of Queensland for welcoming QPASTT and for the important work you continue to do in supporting and connecting Queensland’s Iranian community.

We were pleased to be part of this deeply moving and meaningful day. 💛

31/08/2026

Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and Tibet following the devastating floods that have caused widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction.

QPASTT extends our care and solidarity to Nepalese, Bhutanese and Tibetan communities across Queensland, particularly those waiting for news of family and friends, grieving loved ones, or feeling the distress of watching events unfold from afar.

For many people in our communities, this disaster comes at a time when ongoing wars, conflicts and crises across many parts of the world are already causing significant worry, grief and distress.

If events overseas are affecting you or someone you know, Witness to War and Violence provides free and confidential support to anyone living in Australia. You do not need to have been directly affected or be in crisis to reach out. Support is available from trained bicultural workers, counsellors and support staff, with support in multiple languages and no referral or eligibility requirements.

📞 Call 1800 845 198
🕗 Queensland: Monday–Friday, 9am-8pm
🌐 witnesstowar.org.au

Follow Witness to War & Violence:
Instagram:
Facebook: Witness to War & Violence / .au
LinkedIn: Witness to War & Violence

Witness to War & Violence is a national FASSTT initiative led by STARTTS. QPASTT is the Queensland member of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT).

24/08/2026

REMEMBER • HONOUR • ACT - The call for justice

25th August is Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day and we stand in solidarity with the Rohingya community - remembering the lives lost, honouring survivors, and recognising the enduring impact of persecution, displacement and violence. It was powerful to stand alongside members of the Rohingya community and the wider Queensland community at the Remembrance event on the weekend, listening, remembering and supporting their continuing call for recognition, rights and justice.

We also recognise the extraordinary courage, resilience and perseverance of Rohingya families who have endured the loss of loved ones, homes and homeland, and years of uncertainty - while continuing to rebuild their lives, strengthen their communities and seek justice.

Rohingya communities in Queensland have made an important call: remembrance must be accompanied by action.

They are calling for durable solutions that guarantee:

• Recognition of Rohingya identity and restoration of citizenship
• International protection and independent monitoring
• Freedom of movement and access to education, healthcare and employment
• Restoration of homes, villages, land and livelihoods
• Justice and accountability for international crimes
• Meaningful Rohingya participation in every decision affecting their future
• Any return to be voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable

Seeking justice matters. It honours those whose lives were taken, respects the courage of survivors and families, and affirms that the experiences of the Rohingya must not be forgotten or allowed to be repeated.

We also encourage our community to read this important ABC News story, featuring two Queenslanders who courageously share their experiences and their continuing fight for justice, accountability and recognition of the Rohingya people:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-22/rohingya-genocide-community-australia/107058060

Remember the victims.
Honour the survivors.
Act for justice.

Rohingya United Youth Network

24/08/2026

On Saturday, we were proud to join the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc. of Queensland as they marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, alongside thousands of people from across Brisbane and representatives from all levels of government.

It was a powerful expression of community, pride and solidarity at a time when the people of Ukraine continue to endure the devastating impacts of war.

We stand with Queensland’s Ukrainian community, with the people of Ukraine, and with those who have made Queensland their home since the war began.

At a time when conflict and division can feel overwhelming, gatherings like this are an important reminder that solidarity makes a difference: communities are stronger when we stand together.

To Queensland’s Ukrainian community: thank you for your courage, resilience and contribution. You continue to enrich Queensland’s cultural, social and community life.

Our thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones, those whose families remain separated, those defending their country and freedom, and all those hoping for a just and peaceful future.

We encourage people to read the address from Ukrainian Community of Queensland President Peter Bongiorni, reflecting on the significance of this anniversary and the community’s continuing call for solidarity:

https://www.ukrqld.com.au/ukrainian-festival-brisbane-2026-ucq-president-peter-bongiornis-address/

We stand with Ukraine. We stand together.

24/08/2026

QPASTT was pleased to join the Queensland Afghan Community Association on the weekend to mark Afghan Independence Day (19th August) and celebrate the strength, culture and contribution of Queensland’s Afghan community.

It was wonderful opportunity to recognise Afghanistan’s rich history and cultural heritage, and acknowledge the resilience of Afghan people who have built new lives in Queensland.

We are grateful for the contribution Afghan communities continue to make across our state, and for the strong community connections that help create a greater sense of belonging, inclusion and support.

Thank you to the Queensland Afghan Community Association for bringing people together for this important occasion.

24/08/2026

We were pleased to attend the Celebrating Queensland’s Multicultural Communities 2026 reception, recognising the people and organisations helping to build a more inclusive and welcoming Queensland.

Our sincere thanks to Premier David Crisafulli MP and Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson MP for recognising QPASTT’s contribution to multiculturalism, and the commitment of our staff and volunteers who work every day alongside people from refugee backgrounds and multicultural communities.

We’re proud to be part of a Queensland where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed, connected and supported to heal, belong and thrive.

Multicultural Affairs Queensland

20/08/2026

QPASTT provides specialist training for organisations, services, schools, government agencies and community groups working with people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Our training helps participants build understanding of refugee experiences, forced displacement, recovery from torture and trauma, and culturally responsive practice.

Grounded in lived experience, specialist clinical expertise and practical application, QPASTT Training is designed to support learning that is relevant, useful and safe.

To learn more or enquire about training for your team, visit qpastt.org.au/training/